Western Electric Bell System 438a Handset Repair Tool

[Doug Rose]

I was lucky to find this on the cheap, these are really hard to come by especially in this really nice condition....Doug


https://www.ebay.com/itm/224755407927

[HarrySmith]

I had that tool on my watch list. Lucky for you I was busy and forgot to check it. If I had you probably would not have gotten it that cheap! Good price for a handy tool.

[Doug Rose]

Harry.....must have been a different auction as this was a BIN for $25 and it just came on. I was very lucky, right place right time...Doug

[HarrySmith]

It was the same tool & same seller. They must have changed it?! There were no bids when I put it on to watch.
I even got a notice from eBay it was no longer available.

[Doug Rose]

Harry....then I was really lucky!...Doug

[FABphones]

It was the same tool & same seller. They must have changed it?...

Possibly the seller placed the listing then edited later to add the $25 buy it now. Best Offer was also enabled.

Start time: Thursday, 23-Dec-21   13:47:37 UTC
End time:   Thursday, 23-Dec-21   15:02:15 UTC

16 page views.

[Doug Rose]

Thanks CJ

[oldguy]

What does that tool do Doug?

[Doug Rose]

Hey Gary.....it removes the spit cup from E1 handset. The pins fit in the holes on the E1. It is a must have. My pins were in need to be replaced so this was a much needed piece. A set just sold on eBay for $305. They are tough to find....Doug

[HarrySmith]

I had that set on watch too. WOW! Over $300! Way too much for me.

[tubaman]

$300 is ridiculous and must be 'collectable value' as you could make your own tools for the job for way less than that.

[poplar1]

BSP reference:

[poplar1]

Note that by 1954, at least, the 439A tool was not required -- just one or two 438As. (Paragraph 2.06)

The 514B tool (not the 438A or 439A) was used to loosen the transmitter cap or receiver cap for all types of handsets.

[HarrySmith]

$300 is ridiculous and must be 'collectable value' as you could make your own tools for the job for way less than that.

Yes, you are correct. IIRC there is a topic on here somewhere with specific details on making a great tool with the pins. I have a couple of strap wrenches which have worked fine for me.

[Doug Rose]

David....I have never seen a 514B tool. I do have a NOS 514A, the cloth grip is as hard as a piece of cement.

I still use a 438A to remove spit cups and loosen the rings. It is a much needed tool for me.

Strap wrenches work fine for F1s etc, but I have had no luck on E1s with them..Doug